"My Ascension" Film Screening & Panel Discussion - Slidell

1 Tiger Drive,Slidell LA 70458

01 November, 2022

Description

NAMI St. Tammany is pleased to present, “My Ascension”, a film screening and panel discussion on youth suicide prevention. NAMI St. Tammany will host the event at Slidell High School Auditorium on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 5:30PM – 8:30PM. This community event is free and opened to the public. Registration is required through Eventbrite. Follow us on Facebook and visit our “My Ascension” event page for the direct link. “My Ascension” is a feature length film that chronicles the inspiring story of Emma Benoit. A suicide attempt left the 16-year-old varsity cheerleader from Ascension Parish, paralyzed but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope, and shine light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the in the United States. The documentary follows Emma on her journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it. Click here to learn more about Emma and the film: https://www.myascension.us/ According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, “’Protecting Youth Mental Health’, recent national surveys show alarming increases in the prevalence of certain mental health challenges in young people. In 2019, one in three high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, an overall increase of 40% since 2009. Young people are bombarded with messages through media and popular culture that erode their sense of self-worth – telling them they are not good looking enough, popular enough, smart enough, or rich enough.” Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people under 25 with approximately 1.2 attempts each year. NAMI St. Tammany wants to open up the conversation about mental health to change these statistics. Join us at 5:30pm for a Meet & Greet before the film in the auditorium lobby. The 90-minute film will begin promptly at 6:00pm and will be followed by the panel discussion on youth wellness and suicide prevention. The panel will include Emma Benoit and other local community representatives. This free community education event is open to the public. We invite anyone wanting to learn more about youth mental health and suicide prevention, including parents, students, teachers, counselors, and anyone who works directly with youth to join us for this impactful event. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. The mission of NAMI St. Tammany is to increase awareness and advocate for families and persons with mental illness: envisioning prevention, education, and training as the primary pathways to better services and a healthier community. To learn more about NAMI St. Tammany, the resources we provide to the community, or to get involved, call 985-626-6538, email [email protected] or visit namisttammany.org